Delve into the captivating journey of shagreen leather, tracing its origins from 13th century Japan where it adorned samurai sword grips and facilitated the traditional grating of wasabi root. Initially imported by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, shagreen saw sporadic use in furniture until the 18th century when Madame De Pompadour’s endorsement catapulted it into fashion prominence in France, earning it the moniker ‘Galuchat’. Despite intermittent periods of decline, shagreen resurged in the early 20th century with the Parisian art deco movement, a resurgence perpetuated by designers like Jean-Michel Frank and Andre Groult.
Today’s Shagreen products can consist of faux leathers or vinyl, but Sarreid’s signature shagreen stands a testament to our commitment to luxury craftsmanship. Picture this: damp swatches of genuine leather delicately placed between metal plates, then subjected to the force of a mechanical press, sculpting intricate patterns into the leather’s surface. The result? A stunning display of texture and depth. But the journey doesn’t end there. Each piece is meticulously airbrushed with rich hues, transforming it into a canvas of color. Then comes the artistry of hand-rubbing, buffing, and polishing, leaving a lustrous sheen that captivates the eye. That’s just the outside!
Open the drawers to these pieces, and you will find the interiors are lined with beautiful marbled paper. Our hand-deckled papers, with their raw edges, are sandwiched between metal plates and pressed, embossing them with intricate designs. The magic continues to unfold as each piece of paper is immersed in a water bath with suspended pigments, in a mesmerizing technique known as hydro dipping. The result? Bespoke patterns which elevate your piece to a realm of individuality and elegance, making it just a little more special, just for you.
Check out the video below to see how we handcraft each Shagreen product:
Embrace the rich legacy of shagreen in your next project by exploring our range here.
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